Bears Both Disappoint And Thrill In Frank Hyde Shield

While "A game of two halves" is a much over used sporting clich? as the final leg of the Frank Hyde Shield played out at Henson Park on Saturday the clich? seemed made for this match with the Bears playing top quality and dominating football in the first (18-0 in front at the break), but handing control over to the Jets in the second, the full time score 32-28 to Newtown.

Highlights of the first half included Aaron Heremaia using a dummy pass to fool the Jets attack and cross over the line to score. Then great defence was shown by centre Namila Davui knocking the pill clean out of the Jets player for a waiting Ben Ellis to catch and score. Aaron Heremaia then combined with John Russell (pictured) to give Johnny his third try for 2005.

However for coach Gary Freeman it was a disappointing conclusion "There's no way we should have lost that" But he pointed to the contributions of players such as John Russell, Matt Thurston and a weary Ben Ellis who "looks like he's been in a war".